4-Step Daytime Smokey Eye

On days when I want to leave the house with natural makeup, but with a little oomph I always steer towards a daytime smokey eye. I also find it perfect for day dates with my boyfriend or when I have a full day of running errands and I want to look a bit more put together. Today I’m sharing one of the easiest (and fastest) ways to recreate this look with only 3 shadows and brushes! Keep reading for a step-by-step on this beautiful and glowy daytime smokey eye!

To get things started this is what you’ll need:

Shadows

Transition color. Any color that’s a shade or two below the outer crease color that you choose (I’ll explain why later). What I used: Jetsetter by Tarte

Outer Crease. Don’t go too dark with this as it is a daytime look, but you do want a shade that will give your eyes some sort of natural depth. What I used: Charmed I’m Sure by Too Faced

Lid Color. For this look I usually go for a color that has shimmer or a glow factor, rather than chunky glitter. What I used: Luscious by Too Faced

Brushes

Fluffy Blending Brush. This is going to be your go-to brush for cleaning things up and pulling the smokiness of the look seamlessly. What I used: 205 Tapered Blending Brush by Luxie

Crease Brush. You want this brush to have somewhat of a pointed end so you can carefully place your darkest color of the look in the outer crease. What I used: Blending Brush by Glamour Dolls

Flat Shader Brush. From experience, I’ve grown to prefer denser ones to really help with packing the color on the lid. Anything that’s flat and fits the shape of your lid comfortably will work! What I used: E52 Flat Shader Brush by Sigma Beauty

Let’s get this easy daytime smokey eye done in just 4 simple steps!

First, we’re going to grab that transition shade and place it all over the eye and right above the crease. This step is crucial for a seamlessly blended smokey eye because it’ll keep from things looking too harsh later on. Number one tip for this entire look: BLEND UNTIL YOUR HAND FALLS OFF. No, but really, it’s so easy to make your shadow look Insta-ready. You just have to work on your blending game!

When I first started learning about smokey eyes, the technique of drawing out the V on your outer crease helped a ton! Place your shadow on your outer crease as a sideways V (going with the shape of your eye) and you’re set for this step!

Blend, blend, blend! Spread the concentrated amount of shadow in that outer crease throughout the rest of your crease to really give your eyes natural depth. Use windshield wiper motions across your crease and keep a circular motion on the outer V to really smoke things out.

Finally, just dab that shimmery shade in the middle of your lid (blend any harsh edges that are left) and you’re all done!

I mean seriously, how much more easier can that get? Just to finish things off (although optional), I gave myself a cat-eye and applied some falsies! I hope this quick step-by-step gives you the perfect daytime smokey eye for a little more sparkle. ✨

Hi! My name is Nancy Gutierrez and I’m a Texas lifestyle blogger. From makeup favorites to my latest wine & dine, I’m here to show you all the things that make my life sparkle. Dog mom, cider aficionado, social media pro by day and Carrie Bradshaw-wannabe by night. ✨